VUE Audiotechnik will use next week’s NAMM convention (booth 6464) to unveil the first product in the new al-Class of loudspeakers, the new al-4 subcompact line array.
The al-4 incorporates technologies such as a beryllium compression driver, Kevlar/Neo LF transducers, and precision amplification and DSP with a compact and scalable design.
Note: Learn more about VUE’s beryllium driver approach here.
The al-4 includes both the al-4 Acoustic Element and rack-mount V4 Systems Engine. The al-4 Acoustic Element measures 18.9 x 5.5 x 10.3 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 18 pounds.
Drivers are loaded in an M-T-M (LF-HF-LF) configuration for symmetrical horizontal consistency. Two 4-inch Kevlar cone neodymium woofers flank a VUE-designed, 1-inch exit neodymium compression driver with a Truextent beryllium diaphragm. The beryllium compression driver is mounted to a precision waveguide delivering 90 degrees of horizontal coverage.
The 2U V4 Systems Engine is a 2-in/4-out configuration capable of powering up to eight al-4 elements with two channels at 1600 watts each for the low frequency and two channels at 550 watts each for the high frequency (pure, sine wave rating). The V4 also handles all system management including loudspeaker protection and system-optimized alignment of EQ, time and crossover functions.
The V4 also includes networking capabilities as standard, allowing easy access to each element and/or device on the network through SystemVUE software.
“We designed the al-4 to be easily scalable and extremely versatile, allowing it to open new applications for line array technology,” explains Ken Berger, VUE’s co-founder and CEO. “The al-4 functions more like full-scale line arrays. Vertical coverage is limited only by the number of elements and their configuration, rather than by the physical limitations found in many compact line array designs. With our al-4, scaling up is simply a matter of adding more elements.”
The al-4 is sold in standard “blocks” with a single V4 Systems Engine and eight al-4 Acoustic Elements comprising a single block. Multiple al-4 blocks can be combined to address larger applications.
For applications where extended low frequency is required, the al-4 is fully compatible with a variety of VUE subwoofers. Flexible rigging options allow flying, ground stacking, and pole mounting on stands or atop VUE subwoofers.
Optional accessories for portable and larger scale touring or install applications include:
—Flybar holds up to 16 al-4 Acoustic Elements
—U-bracket can accommodate up to four al-4 Acoustic Elements mounted on stands or pole-mounted atop VUE subwoofers
—Ground stacking kit enables ground-based arrays built using VUE subwoofer
—Road case for touring or portable applications holds four al-4 elements and a single flybar